For some people (It's me, hi, I'm the problem), that first cup of coffee can make or break the rest of the day. However, nailing your morning brew time and time again can be a bit challenging, especially when you consider the endless number of tools needed. With grinders, scales, filters, drippers, and milk frothers – making a simple cup of coffee feels like you’re setting out to do a crazy chemistry experiment! 

This is definitely our bias. A phin is a traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing tool that consists of a small metal filter that fits onto the top of a mug, think of it as a mix between a pour-over coffee and a drip coffee maker. The filter has a plunger and a fine metal mesh, and it produces a concentrated coffee brew which is the base for cà phê sữa đá, better known as Vietnamese iced coffee. Phins are mainly why Vietnamese coffee is so strong, and because of this, they’re quickly becoming popular all over the world. 

An espresso machine is a more advanced tool for brewing coffee, and it’s mainly found in coffee shops, cafes, or at the home of serious coffee lovers. It works by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure, creating a concentrated shot of espresso. Although espresso machines can be expensive and require some skill to use, they are great for making a variety of coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos.

A French press is one of the most popular brewing methods that allows for full immersion of the coffee grounds in hot water. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel pot with a plunger and metal or nylon mesh filter. To use a French press, you'll need coarsely ground coffee beans and hot water. Simply add the coffee and water to the pot, let it steep for a few minutes, and then press the plunger to separate the coffee from the grounds.

One of the newer brewing methods that have gained popularity in recent years. An Aeropress is made of a plastic or stainless steel cylinder with a plunger and a filter. The best way to describe it is as a combination of a phin and a French press. The process involves adding medium-finely ground coffee beans and water to the cylinder, pressing the plunger to force the water through the grounds, and then separating the coffee from the coffee grounds. The result is a smooth and potent coffee brew, which is similar to an espresso. 

If you’re a serious coffee lover, you probably use at least one of these methods on a daily (or hourly?) basis. While these tools are great, they do require some patience. If you’re in a rush and need a caffeine fix stat, be sure to try our range of ready-to-drink Vietnamese iced coffee. Our canned Vietnamese coffees come in five fiery flavors and will add a burst of brightness to your day. Just crack open a can and take a sip of Saigon. 

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
•